Ranchi, Feb. 26: To ensure a good spectator-turnout at the National Games, better road connectivity and facilities at railway stations are being taken seriously.

A link road from the Tatisilwai railway station to Ranchi-Purulia Road and a temporary reservation counter at Khelgaon in Namkom are coming up.

Visitors can also look forward to better facilities at the Tatisilwai station, such as, a spacious shed for passengers, clean toilets and drinking water. “As there is no road that connects the northern side of Tatisilwai station to the Ranchi-Purulia Road, which goes to Khelgaon at Hotwar, establishing a connection was crucial, especially with the National Games coming up,” said A.K. Dutta, divisional railway manger, Ranchi Railway Division (RRD).

He added that a foot overbridge would also be constructed that would connect the southern area of the station to its northern side.

Tatisilwai is a small station that earns a revenue of only Rs 5,000 daily and thus several basic facilities are absent here. But with the Khelgaon and the National Games coming up, the station would assume significance as it is nearest to the venue.

Moreover, passenger count at the station would also see a definite increase, as apart from players, who would come to station from various parts of the country, spectators will also come in large numbers.

Dutta said extra arrangement is being made for installation of lights in the adjacent areas of the Tatisilwai station, especially for the Games. Besides, a temporary public announcement system would also be established for the convenience of the passengers.

A couple of ago, officials of the state sports and culture department met with the railway department to discuss transport arrangements for the Games. Sources said that the sports and culture officials had even asked the railway for some special trains from important locations across the state to Ranchi, so that game lovers could come to enjoy the sports event in large numbers.

Railway officials said that they would look into the requests of the state government. “We would ensure maximum facilities for players as well as the spectators,” said M. K. Yadav, additional divisional railway manager, RRD.

He also said that the railways are planning to create a temporary on-line reservation counter at Khelgaon so that visitors can book tickets easily.

Learning from the increase in traffic at the Ranchi and Hatia stations during other national tournaments, the railway division also plans to provide extra facilities here.

“Extra accommodation in the second class and first class waiting rooms would be made to ensure that passengers face little difficulty,” Dutta said.